Qatar Plans AI-Centered U.S. Investment Surge

Artificial intelligence significantly contributed to 40% of the US GDP growth in 2024, driven by investments in AI infrastructure and companies, according to Siddharth Pai, co-founder of 3one4 Capital. AI's impact is also notable globally, with Africa's AI market rapidly expanding from $4.51 billion in 2025 to an expected $16.53 billion by 2030, although investment remains unevenly distributed, concentrated mainly in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt. In parallel, Qatar is strategically increasing its investments in the US with a strong focus on AI and technology, aiming to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons; this includes plans by the Qatar Investment Authority to double its annual US investments over the next decade. Qatar's Finance Minister Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari emphasized the importance of AI in these investments during the Future Investment Initiative summit and highlighted that a trade agreement between Britain and Gulf Arab countries is nearing completion to further boost economic cooperation. These developments underscore AI's growing role as a pivotal economic driver across regions, supported by targeted investments and international partnerships.